In light of a recent home fire involving natural gas concerns, the City of Piqua and Fire Chief Lee Adams urge all residents to take time this winter season to review important home safety practices. Heating systems, fuel-burning appliances and supplemental heating devices can pose significant risks if not properly maintained. A few preventative steps can help protect your household throughout the colder months.
As winter settles in, please consider these recommended safety measures:
• Purchase equipment only from trusted, reputable sources.
Avoid secondhand or uncertified devices. Only use appliances that meet recognized safety standards and follow all manufacturer guidelines.
“When it comes to safety equipment, not all products are created equal,” Fire Chief Lee Adams said. “Space heaters and smoke or gas detectors and alarms should always be purchased from trusted sources that sell certified, tested devices—not bargain versions that may fail when you need them most.”
• Schedule an annual checkup with a qualified professional.
Before temperatures drop further, have your furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace and other fuel-burning appliances inspected. Professional maintenance ensures equipment is operating safely and efficiently. Become knowledgeable about furnace maintenance and why it matters.
• Contact your energy company if you have concerns.
If you smell gas, suspect a leak or notice irregular appliance performance, call your energy provider immediately. For natural gas customers, resources and safety tips from CenterPoint Energy can help identify warning signs and proper response actions.
• Use carbon monoxide and smoke detectors approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
These alarms are essential in every home. Place smoke detectors on each level and outside each sleeping area and install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances.
• Request assistance from the Piqua Fire Department if you are unable to afford detectors.
Residents in need may request free carbon monoxide and smoke detectors through the department’s community safety programs.
• Use space heaters safely and according to manufacturer guidelines.
Keep heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, plug them directly into a wall outlet (not an extension cord), turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed, and select models with UL listings and automatic shut-off features.
• Consider a combustible gas alarm.
NFPA recommends residential fuel-gas alarms for homes using natural gas or propane, which can provide early warning of combustible gas leaks.
For more information about home fire safety, detector assistance or seasonal precautions, residents may contact the Piqua Fire Department at 937-778-2013.